If you’re craving a fun twist on classic comfort foods, this Pizza Burgers Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine all the deliciousness of a pizza packed onto a juicy burger base — rich, savory ground beef mingling with Italian sausage, topped with melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and flavorful marinara, all nestled on a toasted English muffin. It’s a perfect combination that brings the best of two beloved dishes together, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed dish, each contributing to the Pizza Burgers Recipe’s irresistible taste and texture. From the hearty meats to the creamy mozzarella and zesty marinara, every element plays a key role.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: Provides juicy, hearty flavor and a tender burger base.
- ½ lb. bulk or Italian sausage: Adds spicy depth and richness to the meat mixture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enhances flavor and helps sauté mushrooms and onions to perfection.
- 8 oz thickly sliced mushrooms: Bring an earthy note and tender texture to the mix.
- ½ finely chopped yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and balances savory flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- ½ teaspoon marjoram: A gentle herb that complements the Italian sausage and marinara nicely.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: The sauce packs in that classic pizza tang and saucy goodness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning essentials to bring out all other flavors.
- 6 split English muffins: Toasted to create the perfect sturdy yet soft “bun” for the pizzas.
- 2 oz diced pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds a punch of spicy, meaty flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy finish you crave.
How to Make Pizza Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef and Italian sausage. Break up the meat with your spatula as it cooks so it browns evenly. This creates the meaty, flavorful foundation that gives the whole Pizza Burgers Recipe its hearty character.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Butter
When the meat is halfway cooked and starting to brown, toss in the butter, mushrooms, and chopped onions. Cooking these together allows the mushrooms and onions to soften and release their sweetness, adding moisture and depth to the mixture, while the butter brings everything together in rich harmony.
Step 3: Incorporate Garlic and Marjoram
Reduce your heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and marjoram. Stir the mixture for about a minute just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the marjoram’s herbal aroma melds into the sauce. This step layers on that inviting, savory scent that will whet your appetite even more.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and blend everything thoroughly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 7 to 10 minutes. As it bubbles, the flavors meld more deeply, thickening up to create a luscious topping for your burgers.
Step 5: Toast the English Muffins
Split your English muffins in half and place them under the broiler until they’re golden brown and lightly crisp. Toasting adds texture and ensures the muffins won’t get soggy beneath all that delicious sauce and toppings.
Step 6: Assemble the Pizza Burgers
On each toasted English muffin half, spoon a generous layer of the meat and marinara mixture. Then sprinkle the diced pepperoni on top, bringing that classic pizza bite in every mouthful.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Broil
Finish by topping each assembled muffin half with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place them back under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just slightly golden at the edges. This final step seals the deal for your Pizza Burgers Recipe, making it sticky, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Pizza Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Pizza Burgers Recipe to the next level, consider fresh garnishes like torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A little drizzle of olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can also bring freshness and elevate flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
Serve these flavorful pizza burgers alongside crisp salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or classic Caesar salad. Crispy oven fries or a bowl of roasted vegetables also complement the rich, cheesy goodness wonderfully, providing balance and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pizza burgers open-faced on a rustic wooden board, allowing everyone to pile on extras like pickled jalapeños, olives, or even a drizzle of pesto. Alternatively, offer small ramekins with toppings on the side for guests to customize their own mini pizza burger creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store your pizza burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the textures intact without drying out the meat or the muffins.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled pizza burgers before broiling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding the cheese.
Reheating
To reheat your pizza burgers, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. To restore the melted cheese topping, pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella captures that classic pizza feel, try provolone, cheddar, or even a blend for an interesting twist in flavor and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Pizza Burgers Recipe?
You can swap out the ground beef and sausage for plant-based ground meat alternatives or use hearty grilled vegetables like eggplant and zucchini as your base instead.
What type of bread works best for pizza burgers?
English muffins are great for their sturdy texture and size, but you can also use sturdy hamburger buns or even ciabatta rolls for a different but still delicious experience.
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the meat mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more before assembling and broiling your pizza burgers.
How spicy is the Pizza Burgers Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, mostly coming from the Italian sausage and pepperoni. You can dial it up or down by choosing mild or spicy sausage and adjusting toppings accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about combining two beloved classics into one mouthwatering dish. This Pizza Burgers Recipe delivers comfort, bold flavors, and a bit of fun that’s perfect for any meal of the week. I hope you give it a try soon and make it a new favorite for your family and friends!
Print
Pizza Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pizza Burgers combine the hearty flavors of a classic burger with the irresistible taste of pizza. Ground beef and Italian sausage are cooked with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and marjoram, then simmered in marinara sauce. Served on toasted English muffins topped with pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe offers a delicious and easy twist on traditional burgers, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- ½ lb. bulk or Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz thickly sliced mushrooms
- ½ finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 6 split English muffins
- 2 oz diced pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb. of ground beef and ½ lb. of ground sausage until the meat begins to brown. Break it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Butter: When the meat is halfway browned, add 2 tablespoons of butter, 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, and ½ finely chopped yellow onion. Cook until the meat is fully browned, and the mushrooms and onions are tender and translucent.
- Incorporate Garlic and Marjoram: Reduce heat to medium-low, then add 2 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of marjoram. Stir for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the marjoram blends into the mixture.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce. Mix well, season with salt and pepper, and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast the English Muffins: Split 6 English muffins and toast them under the broiler until golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Pizza Burgers: Divide the meat mixture evenly over the toasted muffin halves. Sprinkle with 2 oz of diced pepperoni.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Top each muffin half with 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- Monitor the broiler closely to avoid burning the English muffins and cheese.
- Feel free to substitute Italian sausage with your preferred variety or omit for a leaner version.
- Additional toppings like sliced olives or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey for the best experience.
